disobey

[ dis-uh-bey ]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to neglect or refuse to obey.

   Synonyms: oppose, ignore, resist, disregard, defy

disobey

/ ˌdɪsəˈbeɪ /

verb

1. to neglect or refuse to obey (someone, an order, etc)

Derived Forms

• ˌdisoˈbeyer, noun

Other Words From

• diso·beyer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of disobey¹

1350–1400; Middle English disobeien < Old French desobeir, equivalent to des- dis- ¹ + obeir to obey

Example Sentences

Herbert said his officers had no way of knowing if Bates was armed, adding that she had disobeyed officers’ orders to surrender.

From Los Angeles Times

“Haddix so publicly disobeying this Court and then profiting from her disobedience by sharing it with a national audience will only incentivize future defendants to engage in similar misconduct unless this Court decisively intervenes.”

From Los Angeles Times

The recalls were issued because the system was programmed to run stop signs at slow speeds and because the system disobeyed other traffic laws.

From Los Angeles Times

Nor is Trump the only Republican candidate lashing out in rage against women for disobeying the right-wing thought police.

From Salon

Witnesses were also also expected to say he “personally shot and killed two people — a rival cartel member, and a subordinate who disobeyed orders.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• contravene
• defy
• evade
• flout
• ignore
• infringe
• misbehave
• overstep
• transgress
• violate